During recent years our enthusiasm for this field has continually increased. This book presents expert contributions describing the fundamental principles for the widespread use of radiative decay engineering in the biological sciences and nanotechnology.

This book covers optical chemical sensing by means of optical waveguides, from the fundamentals to the most recent applications. The book includes a historical review of the development of these sensors, from the earliest laboratory prototypes to the first commercial instrumentations. The book reprints a lecture by the Nobel Laureate Charles Townes on the birth of maser and laser, which lucidly illustrates the development of new science and new technology.

Volume I provides an in-depth discussion of the most recent developments of crucical biosensor components. It concentrates on the interface between the analyte phase and the detector, namely, the implementation of novel recognition elements, including nucleic acids, and of leading-edge technology in the construction of responsive thin layers. Thus, the reader can obtain a foretaste of achievable future progress in the field.

During my professional career, I developed a strong interest in sol-gel technology, and worked on both xerogel and aerogel systems. My fascination with aerogels has driven me to explore their commercial potential, which is currently an important component of my company's business plan. Together with my co-workers, I have also worked on the preparation of controlled PZT and silica xerogels as well as thin film coatings of metals by the sol-gel technology, These experiences convinced me of the tremendous potentials of this technology. A conviction that is shared by many scientists, engineers, and business leaders around the globe. Many sol-gel derived products are already articles of commerce. However, to expand the commercial potential of sol-gel technology, two challenges must be met: (1) the quality of sol-gel derived products must continue to meet or exceed the quality of competing products, (2) the production cost of sol-gel products (specially aerogels) must continued to decline. A key to lowering the costs of sol-gel products is finding inexpensive precursors.

This unique multidisciplinary 8-volume set focuses on the emerging issues concerning synthesis, characterization, design, manufacturing and various other aspects of composite materials from renewable materials and provides a shared platform for both researcher and industry. The Handbook of Composites from Renewable Materials comprises a set of 8 individual volumes that brings an interdisciplinary perspective to accomplish a more detailed understanding of the interplay between the synthesis, structure, characterization, processing, applications and performance of these advanced materials. The Handbook comprises 169 chapters from world renowned experts covering a multitude of natural polymers/ reinforcement/ fillers and biodegradable materials. Volume 7 is solely focused on the "Nanocomposites: Science and Fundamentals" of renewable materials. Some of the important topics include but not limited to: Preparation, characterization, and applications of nanomaterials from renewable resources; hydrogels and its nanocomposites from renewable resources: preparation of chitin-based nanocomposite materials through gelation with ionic liquid; starch-based bionanocomposites; biorenewable nanofiber and nanocrystal; investigation of wear characteristics of dental composite reinforced with rice husk-derived nanosilica filler particles; performance of regenerated cellulose/vermiculite nanocomposites fabricated via ionic liquid; preparation, structure, properties, and interactions of the PVA/cellulose composites; green composites with cellulose nanoreinforcements; biomass composites from bamboo-based micro/nanofibers; synthesis and medicinal properties of polycarbonates and resins from renewable sources; nanostructured polymer composites with modified carbon nanotubes; organic–inorganic nanocomposites derived from polysaccharides; natural polymer-based nanocomposites; cellulose whisker-based green polymer composites; poly (lactic acid) nanocomposites reinforced with different additives; nanocrystalline cellulose; halloysite-based bionanocomposites; nanostructurated composites based on biodegradable polymers and silver nanoparticles; starch-based biomaterials and nanocomposites; green nanocomposites based on PLA and natural organic fillers; and chitin and chitosan-based nanocomposites.

The American Peptide Society (APS) provides a forum for advancing and promoting knowledge of the chemistry and biology of peptides. The approximately one thousand members of the Society come from North America and from more than thirty other countries throughout the world. Establishment of the APS was a result of the rapid worldwide growth that has occurred in peptide-related research, and of the increasing interaction of peptide scientists with virtually all fields of science. Peptides for Youth: The Proceedings of the the 20th American Peptide Symposium will highlight many of the recent developments in peptide science, with a particular emphasis on how these advances are being applied to basic problems in biology and medicine. The 20th American Peptide Symposium will take place June 26 - 30, 2007 in Montreal, Canada.